Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
,
- 1 -
A connector, and a teatcup
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention refers generally to teatcups to be attached to the teats
of
animals to be milk. More precisely, the present invention refers to a
connector
configured to be comprised by a teatcup to be attached to a teat of animal to
be
milked, the connector being configured to connect a milk conduit to a
cartridge
comprising a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a teatcup liner
mounted
in the sleeve and having a inner space for receiving said teat, wherein the
connector
comprises a casing, which defines a longitudinal centre axis and encloses a
connection space, wherein the casing has an inner surface facing the
connection
space, and wherein the casing comprises an inlet opening for the cartridge to
the
connection space, and an outlet opening for the milk conduit. The present
invention
also refers to a teatcup to be attached to a teat of animal to be milked,
comprising a
connector and a cartridge comprising a sleeve, having a first end and a second
end,
and a teatcup liner mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for
receiving
said teat, wherein the connector is configured to connect a milk conduit to
the
cartridge, wherein the connector comprises a casing, which defines a
longitudinal
centre axis and encloses a connection space, wherein the casing has an inner
surface
facing the connection space, and wherein the casing comprises an inlet opening
for
the cartridge to the connection space, and an outlet opening for the milk
conduit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
Teatcups used today typically consists of two separate main parts, a shell and
a
teatcup liner mounted in the shell. A pulsation chamber is provided between
the
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shell and the teatcup liner. The teatcup liner is an article of consumption
that is
subjected to wear, and thus has to be replaced on a regular basis. The
replacement
of the teatcup liner is a time-consuming and difficult work, requiring
dismounting of
the teatcup liner from the shell and mounting of a new teatcup liner in the
shell. The
teatcup liner may form one single part either together with the short milk
conduit or
separate from the short milk conduit.
Traditionally, the teatcup liner forms one single part together with the short
milk
conduit. In order to enable replacement of only the barrel of the teatcup
liner, it is
know to produce teatcup liners being separate from the milk conduit. In such
teatcups,
there is a difficulty in the connection of the teatcup liner including the
barrel to the
separate short milk conduit. Especially, it is difficult to provide an easy
mounting and
dismounting of the barrel to the milk conduit without leakage between the milk
channel
and the surrounding, and between the milk channel and the pulsation chamber.
US-7,921,806 discloses a connector configured to be comprised by a teatcup to
be
attached to a teat of an animal to be milked. The connector is configured to
connect
a milk conduit to a cartridge
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comprising a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a
teatcup liner mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for
receiving the teat. The connector defines a longitudinal axis and
comprises a casing, which has an inner surface and defines a
connection space, an inlet opening configured for receiving the
cartridge to the connection space, and an outlet opening for the
milk conduit. Resilient clamping members are provided to extend
around and grip the cartridge.
US-4,459,939 discloses a connector configured to be comprised by
a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked. The
connector is configured to connect a milk conduit to a cartridge
comprising a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a
teatcup liner mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for
receiving the teat. The connector defines a longitudinal centre axis
and comprises a casing, which has an inner surface and defines a
space, an inlet opening configured for receiving the cartridge to the
connection space, and an outlet opening receiving a rigid milk
nipple.
EP-511 723 discloses a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an
animal to be milked. A lower part of the teatcup is configured to
connect a milk conduit to an upper part comprising a sleeve, having
a first end and a second end, and a teatcup liner mounted in the
sleeve and having an inner space for receiving the teat. The teatcup
defines a longitudinal axis. The lower part comprises a casing,
which has an inner surface and defines a space, an inlet opening in
which the upper part is mounted, and an outlet opening for the milk
conduit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to overcome the problems
discussed above and to provide a connector that enables a
convenient, quick and secure connection of a teatcup liner to a milk
conduit.
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3
This object is achieved by the connector defined above, which is
characterised in that the looking means is provided on the inner
surface of the casing and configured to permit locking of the
cartridge in the connector.
Such locking means on the inner surface of the casing permit quick
and easy dismounting of the cartridge from the connector and the
milk conduit, and quick and secure mounting and locking of the
cartridge in the connector, thereby establishing a tight milk passage
from the inner space of the teatcup liner to a milk channel defined
by the milk conduit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking means
comprises a bayonet coupling part. Advantageously, a
corresponding bayonet coupling part is provided on an outer
surface of the cartridge.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the outlet
opening is configured to receive and hold the milk conduit.
Advantageously, the casing may comprise a bottom wall through
which the outlet opening extends. The milk conduit may then be
introduced in the outlet opening. The bottom wall may be configured
to engage a circumferential groove on the milk conduit. Moreover,
the bottom wall may be is plane, and extend perpendicularly to the
longitudinal centre axis.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal
centre axis extends through the inlet opening and the outlet
opening.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connector
comprises an outer shell extending beyond the inlet opening of the
casing. Such an outer shell may be configured to protect the
cartridge located inside the outer shell when the cartridge I
mounted in the connector. Advantageously, the outer shell may be
attached to and enclose an end portion of the casing.
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According to a further embodiment of the invention, the casing
comprises an aperture extending through the casing into the
connection space and a holding member configured to hold a pulse
conduit in a flow communication with the aperture for
communicating a pulsating vacuum to the connection space.
The object is also achieved by the teatcup initially defined, which is
characterised in that locking means is provided on the inner surface
of the casing and configured to permit locking of the cartridge in the
connector.
By means of such a teatcup, comprising at least two separate parts,
the cartridge and the connector, the replacement of the cartridge,
including teatcup liner, may be facilitated since the cartridge may
be simply disengaged from the connector and replaced by a new
cartridge, which is then mounted to the connector. No loosening of
external conduits from the connector is required when replacing the
cartridge. The cartridge, which has been removed from the
connector, may then be thrown away as a waste product.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, cartridge
comprises corresponding locking means provided on an outer side
of the sleeve and configured to co-act with the locking means of the
casing to establish said locking of the cartridge in the teatcup
connector. Advantageously, the locking means comprises at least
one outer bayonet coupling part on the inner surface of the casing,
and the corresponding locking means comprises at least one inner
bayonet coupling part on the outer surface of the cartridge, the
outer and inner bayonet coupling parts forming a bayonet coupling
permitting easy dismounting and mounting of the cartridge from the
connector.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sleeve
comprises a hole extending through the sleeve and positioned in
the connection space, and wherein the casing comprises an
aperture extending through the casing and a holding member
configured to hold a pulse conduit in order to permit flow
5
communication of a pulsating vacuum from the pulse conduit to the pulsation
chamber. Advantageously, a sealing ring may be provided between the outer
surface
of the sleeve and the casing, thereby sealing the connection space from the
surrounding atmosphere, and wherein the hole is provided between the sealing
ring
.. and the lower end of the sleeve.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector
configured to be comprised by a teatcup to be attached to a teat of animal to
be
milked, the connector being configured to connect a milk conduit to a
cartridge
comprising a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a teatcup liner
mounted
in the sleeve and having a inner space for receiving said teat,
wherein the connector comprises a casing, which defines a longitudinal centre
axis and encloses a connection space, wherein the casing has an inner surface
facing
the connection space, and
wherein the casing comprises an inlet opening for the cartridge to the
connection space, and an outlet opening for the milk conduit,
wherein locking means is provided on the inner surface of the casing and
configured to permit locking of the cartridge in the connector,
wherein the connector comprises an outer shell extending beyond the inlet
opening of the casing, wherein said outer shell is configured to protect the
cartridge
located inside the outer shell when the cartridge is mounted in the connector.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
teatcup to be
attached to a teat of animal to be milked, comprising a connector and a
cartridge
.. comprising a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a teatcup
liner mounted
in the sleeve and having an inner space for receiving said teat,
wherein the connector is configured to connect a milk conduit to the
cartridge,
wherein the connector comprises a casing, which defines a longitudinal centre
axis and encloses a connection space,
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5a
wherein the casing has an inner surface facing the connection space, and
wherein the casing comprises an inlet opening for the cartridge to the
connection space, and an outlet opening for the milk conduit,
wherein locking means is provided on the inner surface of the casing and
configured to permit locking of the cartridge in the connector,
wherein the connector comprises an outer shell extending beyond the inlet
opening of the casing such that the outer shell protects the cartridge located
inside
the outer shell when the cartridge is mounted in the connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be explained more closely by means of a
description
of various embodiments and with reference to the drawings attached hereto.
Fig 1 discloses a longitudinal section of a teatcup comprising or connected to
a milk
conduit.
Fig 2 discloses an exploded longitudinal section of a cartridge of the teatcup
in Fig 1.
Fig 3 discloses a section of the milk conduit in Fig 1.
Fig 4 discloses a section of a connector of the teatcup in Fig I.
Fig 5 discloses a section of a pulse conduit of the teatcup in Fig 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Fig 1 discloses a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked.
The
teatcup comprises a cartridge 1 and a connector 2. The teatcup may also
comprise a
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5b
lip member 3. In addition, the teatcup may comprise or be connected to a milk
conduit
4, such as a short milk conduit. Moreover, the teatcup may comprise or be
connected
to a pulse conduit 5.
A longitudinal centre axis x extends through and along the teatcup, i.e. the
cartridge
1, the connector 2 and the lip member 3. The longitudinal centre axis x also
extends
through and along the milk conduit 4 when it is in a rest state as disclosed
in Fig. I.
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6
The cartridge 1, see also Fig 2, comprises a sleeve 6 having an
upper end 6a and a lower end 6b, and a teatcup liner 7 mounted in
the sleeve 6. In Figs 1 and 2, the cartridge is shown in a mounted
state, i.e. the teatcup liner 7 is mounted in the sleeve 6. The
teatcup liner 7 has or forms an inner space 8 for receiving the teat.
A pulsation chamber 9 is provided or formed between an inner side
of the sleeve 6 and an outer side of the teatcup liner 7.
The teatcup liner 7 comprises an upper end portion 7a located at
the upper end 6a of the sleeve 6, a barrel portion 7c and a lower
end portion 7b located at the lower end of the sleeve 6. The barrel
portion 7c is an intermediate tubular portion provided between and
adjoining the upper end portion 7a and the lower end portion 7b.
The barrel portion 7c is the main part of the teatcup liner 7 and is in
contact with the teat of the animal during milking.
The lower end portion 7b extends from a position within the sleeve
6 away from and beyond the lower end 6b of the sleeve 6. The
lower end portion 7b forms an end nozzle 10. The end nozzle 10 is
the part of the lower end portion 7b that extends beyond the lower
end 6b of the sleeve 6. The end nozzle 10 forms an outlet from the
inner space 8.
The end nozzle 10 has a tapering external shape configured to be
received in the milk conduit 4 for transporting the milk from the
inner space 8 to the milk conduit 4. The end nozzle 10 also has a
tapering internal shape forming a tapering outlet for the milk from
the inner space 8 of the teatcup liner 7.
The barrel portion 7c of the teatcup liner 7 is made of a first
material having a relatively high elasticity. The lower end portion 7b
of the teatcup liner 7 is made of a second material, which is
different from the first material and has a different composition. The
second material has a relatively low elasticity in comparison with
the relatively high elasticity of the first material of the barrel portion
7c.
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The first material may consist of or comprise rubber, black rubber,
silicone rubber, elastic polymers, such as Thermoplastic
Elastomers, TPE, or any other suitable elastic material.
The second material may consist of or comprise a suitable polymer
with low elasticity, such as polyeten, polypropene, etc.
The upper end portion 7a is made in a third material having a
relatively low elasticity in comparison with the relatively high
elasticity of the first material of the barrel portion 7c. The third
material may be a material having similar or the same composition
and/or properties as the second material of the lower end portion
7b.
The barrel portion 7c is attached to the lower end portion 7b by a
lower permanent joint 11. Such a permanent joint 11 may be formed
by a melt joint, a weld joint or a chemical bonding between the first
material and the second material.
The barrel portion 7c is also attached to the upper end portion 7a
by an upper permanent joint 12. Such a permanent joint 12 may be
formed by a melt joint, a weld joint or a chemical bonding between
the first material and the third material.
The lower and/or upper permanent joints 11, 12 my be formed by
melting of at least one of the first material and the second material
at the permanent joint. The lower and/or upper permanent joints 11,
12 may also be obtained through vulcanisation.
Alternatively, the barrel portion 7c and the lower end portion 7b
and/or the upper end portion 7a are made of the same material, for
instance in one single piece, preferably through injection moulding.
The sleeve 6 is made of a fourth material having a relatively low
elasticity. The fourth material may be a material having similar or
the same composition and/or properties as the same material as the
second material.
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The lower end portion 7b of the teatcup liner 7 comprises a lower
engagement member 14, which engages the sleeve 6 in such a
manner that the barrel portion 7c of the teatcup liner 7 is
maintained in a stretched state in the sleeve 6. The lower
engagement member 14 comprises, or is formed as, an annular
flange extending outwardly at least beyond an inner diameter of an
end surface of the lower end 6b of the sleeve 6. The annular flange
of the lower end portion 7b may extend radially or substantially
radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal centre axis x. The
annular flange of the lower end portion 7b extends beyond and
abuts the end surface of the lower end 6b of the sleeve 6.
The upper end portion 7a of the teatcup liner 7 comprises an upper
engagement member 15, which engages the sleeve 6 at the upper
end 6a of the sleeve 6. The upper engagement member 15
comprises, or is formed as, an upper annular flange extending
outwardly at least beyond an inner diameter of an end surface of
the upper end 6a of the sleeve 6. The annular flange of the upper
engagement member 15 may extend radially or substantially
radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal centre axis x. In
the embodiment disclose, the annular flange of the upper
engagement member 15 of the upper end portion 7a abuts an
outwardly bent part of the first material of the barrel portion 7c,
which in turn abuts the end surface of the upper end 6a of the
sleeve 6.
The sleeve 6 comprises a sealing ring 17 extending around an outer
surface of the sleeve 6. The sealing ring 17 is configured to engage
a surface, especially an end surface, of the connector 2, as will be
described below.
Moreover, the sleeve 6 comprises a hole 18 through the sleeve 6,
or through the wall of the sleeve 6. The hole 18 permits a pulsating
vacuum to be applied in the pulsation chamber 9. The hole 18 is
provided between the sealing ring 17 and the lower end 6b of the
sleeve 6.
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The lip member 3 is in the embodiment disclosed attached to the
upper end portion 7a of the teatcup liner 7, as can be seen in Figs 1
and 2. The lip member 3 is preferably detachably attached to the
cartridge 1 by a snap connection 19. In Fig 2 the lip member 3 is
shown in a detached state with respect to the teatcup liner 7 and
the cartridge 1. Alternatively, the lip member 3 may be detachably
attached to the sleeve 6.
The lip member 3 comprises or forms a lip 20, which surrounds and
defines an opening 21 for the teat to the inner space 8. The lip 20 is
also made of a relatively elastic material, possibly a material having
similar or the same composition and/or properties as the first
material of the barrel portion 7c.
It is to be noted that the lip member or the lip 20 as an alternative
may form an integrated part of the teatcup liner 7, preferably by
being permanently joined to the upper end portion 7a, or being
manufactured in one single piece with the upper end portion 7a or
with the teatcup liner 7.
The connector 2, see also Fig 4, comprises a casing 24, which has
a bottom wall 25 and a surrounding wall 26 having an inner surface.
The casing 24 defines a connection space 27. The bottom wall 25 is
plane or substantially plane.
The connector 2, or the casing 24, comprises an inlet opening 28
for the cartridge 1 to the connection space 27, and an outlet
opening 29 for the milk conduit 4. The outlet opening 29 extends
through the bottom wall 25 and is configured to receive and hold the
milk conduit 4. In the embodiment disclosed, the longitudinal centre
axis x extends concentrically through the casing 24 and through the
inlet opening 28 and the outlet opening 29, wherein the bottom wall
25 extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly to the
longitudinal centre axis x.
The connector 2 is connected to the cartridge 1 by means of locking
means. The locking means is provided on the inner surface of the
surrounding wall 26. Corresponding locking means is provided on
the outer side of the sleeve 6. The corresponding locking means is
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provided between the sealing ring 17 and the lower end 6b of the
sleeve 6. The locking means may comprise on or more outer
bayonet coupling parts 31 on the inner surface of the casing 24.
The corresponding locking means may comprise one or more inner
5 bayonet coupling parts 32 on the outer surface of the sleeve 6 of
the cartridge 1. The outer bayonet coupling parts 31 and the inner
bayonet coupling parts 32 form a bayonet coupling permitting
secure locking of the cartridge 1 in the connector 2.
10 Furthermore, the connector 2 comprises an outer shell 34 extending
beyond the inlet opening 28 of the casing 24. The outer shell 34 is
tubular and attached to an end portion 24a of the casing 24. The
purpose of the outer shell 34 is to protect the cartridge 1. The outer
shell 34 may be made of a relatively rigid material, for instance as
plastics or metal, such as stainless steel.
The casing 24 also comprises an aperture 35 extending through the
casing 24 into the connection space 27. Furthermore, the connector
2 or the casing 24 comprises a holding member 36 configured to
hold the pulse conduit 5 in a flow communication with the aperture
35 and the pulsating chamber 9 via the hole 18 for communicating a
pulsating vacuum to the connection space 27 and to the pulsating
chamber 9. The holding member defines a holding space, which is
partly defined by a side wall 37 and a bottom wall 38. An opening
39 extends through the bottom wall 38.
The milk conduit 4, or short milk conduit, see also Fig 3, is tubular
and comprises a first end portion 4a defining a first end, a second
end portion 4b defining a second end, and a conduit portion 4c
between the first end portion 4a and the second end portion 4b. The
milk conduit 4 defines a milk channel 40 extending through the first
end portion 4a, the conduit portion 4c and the second end portion
4b.
The first end of the milk conduit 4 may be defined or formed by a
plane, or substantially plane, end surface from which the milk
channel 40 extends.
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The first end portion 4a of the milk conduit 4 has an external
tapering shape from the first end to the conduit portion 4c. The milk
conduit 4 thus has a greater outer diameter at the first end
compared to the outer diameter at the conduit portion 4c.
The first end portion 4a is configured to be received in the outlet
opening 29 extending through the bottom wall 25 of the connector 2
of the teatcup. The first end portion 4a comprises a first
circumferential groove 41 configured to engage the bottom wall 25,
see Fig 1. The first circumferential groove 41 is positioned at a
distance from the first end and at a distance from the conduit
portion 4c.
The milk channel 40 of the first end portion 4a has an internal
tapering shape from the first end towards the milk channel 40 of the
conduit portion 4c.
The second end portion 4b comprises a second circumferential
groove 42, which is configured to be received in any suitable milk-
receiving member or milk-collecting member, such as a claw, not
disclosed. The second circumferential groove 42 is positioned at a
distance from the second end and at a distance from the conduit
portion 4c. Also the second end portion 4b has an external tapering
shape from the second end to the conduit portion 4c.
The milk conduit 4 is made of a hose material having a relatively
high elasticity in the order of the elasticity of the first material of the
barrel portion. For instance, the milk conduit 4 may be
manufactured of natural rubber, black rubber, silicone rubber or
Thermoplastic Elastomers, TPE. The conduit portion 4c comprises
an bending area 43 having a locally decreased outer diameter, and
thus a locally increased elasticity to provide a predetermined area
for bending of the milk conduit 4.
Also the pulse conduit 5, see also Fig 5, may be made of a hose
material having a relatively high elasticity, possibly the same hose
material as the material of the milk conduit 4. The pulse conduit 5
has a attachment end portion 5a to be engaged by the holding
member 36. The pulse conduit 5 defines or encloses a pulse
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channel 51 extending along the pulse conduit 5 through the
attachment end portion 5a. The attachment end portion 5a defines
an opening 52 of the pulse channel 51. When the pulse conduit 5 is
engaged by the holding member 36, the opening 52 is positioned
opposite to the opening 35 through the casing 24.
The attachment end portion 5a is configured to be received in an
opening extending through the bottom wall 38 of the holding
member 36. The attachment end portion 51 has a bottom surface 53
configured to abut the bottom wall 38, see Fig 1, when the pulse
conduit 5 is mounted in the connector 2.
The assembling of the teatcup is now to be described. One
assembling step is to produce the cartridge 1, wherein the teatcup
liner 7 is mounted in the sleeve 6. This mounting may be made in
advance in connection with the manufacturing of the teatcup. The
teatcup liner 7 is then pulled through the sleeve 6, wherein the
lower end portion 7b is introduced at the upper end 6a of the sleeve
and pushed and pulled downwardly so that the lower end portion 7b
passes the lower end 6b until the lower engagement member 14
snaps outwardly to abutment against the end surface of the lower
end 6 of the sleeve 6. Thanks to the upper engagement member 15,
the upper end portion 7a will not pass through the upper end 6a of
the sleeve 6, but the engagement members 14 and 15 secure that
the teatcup liner 7 and its barrel portion 7c is retained in a stretched
state in the sleeve 6. In the stretched state, the teatcup liner 7 is
prolonged in comparison with a rest state, in which the teatcup liner
7 is not subjected to any external forces, i.e. before the teatcup
liner 7 is mounted in the shell 6.
Thereafter the lip member 3 may be attached to the cartridge 1,
wherein the lip member 3 is pressed onto the upper end 6a of the
sleeve 6 so that the snap connection 19 locks the lip member 3 in a
detachable manner on the cartridge 1.
The cartridge 1 is a replaceable component, together with or
without the lip member 3, depending on the wear of the lip 21. The
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cartridge 1 and the lip member 3 are the components of the teatcup
that are subjected to significant wear.
A further assembling step is the assembling of the connector 1. The
outer shell 34 may be mounted to the casing 24 in advance or after
mounting of the milk conduit 5 and the pulse conduit 5. The milk
conduit 4 is mounted to the connector 2 by the introduction of the
second end portion 4b through the inlet opening 28 and then
through the outlet opening 29. The milk conduit 4 is then pulled
through the connector 2 until the lower wall 25 of the casing 24
snaps into the first circumferential groove 41. The tapering shape of
the first end portion 4a facilitates the pulling of the milk conduit 4
into the snapping-in engagement.
In a similar manner, the pulse conduit 5 is mounted to the connector
2 by being pulled through the holding member 36 until the bottom
surface 53 comes to abutment against the bottom wall 38, wherein
the opening 52 of the pulse channel 51 is opposite to the opening
35 through the casing 24.
The teatcup is then present as two main components, namely the
cartridge 1 together with the lip member 3, and the connector 2
together with the milk conduit 4 and the pulse conduit 5. The milk
conduit 4 and the pulse conduit 5 may be mounted to their
respective components of the remaining milking equipment in any
suitable manner. The milk conduit 4 may for instance be mounted
by engagement of the second circumferential groove 42.
Finally, these two main components are connected to each other.
The cartridge 1, with or without the lip member 3, is then introduced
into the connection space 27 of the connector 2 until the end nozzle
10 penetrates the milk channel 40 at the first end portion 41, and
abuts tightly the wall of the milk channel 40. Thanks to the shape of
the end nozzle 19 and to the relatively low elasticity of the end
nozzle 10 in combination with the relatively high elasticity of the
milk conduit 4 a tight connection is achieved.
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In this position of the cartridge 1 vis-à-vis the connector 2, the end
surface of the casing 24 will abut the sealing ring 17 so that the
space formed between the sleeve 6 and the casing 24 is tightly
sealed, thereby permitting proper communication of the pulsating
vacuum. It is to be noted that the sealing ring 17 alternatively may
be provided on the connector 2, especially on the casing 24.
When the cartridge 1 has reach this position vis-a-vis the milk
conduit, the cartridge is locked in the connector 2, by means of the
bayonet coupling, i.e. the coupling of the outer bayonet coupling
part 31 and the inner bayonet coupling part 32. This coupling may
be achieved through a turning of the cartridge 1 in relation to the
connector 2. It is to be noted that the coupling and locking of the
cartridge 1 to the connector 2 may also be achieved by other
locking means, e.g. a thread connection.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed
but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following
claims.
The terms "upper" and "lower" used in the description and the
claims refer to the orientation disclosed in the figures and the
approximate orientation when the teatcup is attached to the teat of
an animal.
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List of reference signs
1 cartridge
2 connector
5 3 lip member
4 milk conduit
4a first end portion
4b second end portion
4c conduit portion
10 5 pulse conduit
5a attachment end portion
6 sleeve
6a upper end
6b lower end
15 7 teatcup liner
7a upper end portion
7b lower end portion
7c barrel portion
8 inner space
9 pulsation chamber
10 end nozzle
11 lower permanent joint
12 upper permanent joint
14 lower engagement member
15 upper engagement member
17 sealing ring
18 hole
19 snap connection
20 lip
21 opening
24 casing
25 bottom wall
26 surrounding wall
27 connection space
28 inlet opening
29 outlet opening
31 outer bayonet coupling part
32 inner bayonet coupling part
34 outer shell
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35 aperture
36 holding member
37 side wall
38 bottom wall
40 milk channel
41 first circumferential groove
42 second circumferential groove
43 bending area
51 pulse channel
52 opening
53 attachment circumferential groove
